By now, André van Ellinckhuyzen is a seasoned and well-known author, as well as local historian and driving force behind the immaculate renovations of the 1885 Raadsaal in Vryheid. His third book ‘Tommie’, written in Afrikaans, was released in April and has already found its place alongside his earlier work. Readers who know André will tell you that his style is different. He slips between reality, fiction and nostalgia in a way that keeps you turning the pages.

In this story, we meet Tommie Ferreira, a young farm boy fresh out of school with one big dream: to become a fighter pilot. Like most 18-year-olds, Tommie faces a flood of emotions when he meets his first love, Millie Henn. From there, his life takes him far from the farm: first love, first flights and first losses. The book carries readers through the 1930s, into the chaos of war – with Tiger Moths and Fairey Battles – and even a long sea voyage to East Africa. At its heart, it’s a story of friendship, loyalty and courage that gives new life to Tommie’s legacy.

André says the idea for ‘Tommie’ grew from a single letter he came across. “It was a heartbreaking letter written by an air force officer to the parents of a pilot who had died in East Africa during the Second World War,” he explains. “Researching and writing this book took me nearly a year and three months.”

For English readers, the wait is over…  André announced last week that ‘Tommie’ has been translated into ‘Tommy’ and is just as accessible to younger readers as it is to those who enjoy reliving history through fiction.

André prefers to keep his work close to home. He handles his own marketing and distribution so that readers can get the book at a fair price. Terri du Plessis helped with the editing and layout, while the striking cover artwork came from his friend, Mike Barber, who lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s inside:

“Major van Pittius’s head and body jerk in shock as his office door suddenly bursts open. Standing in the doorway is the squadron’s chaplain, Captain Kelly, pale as a sheet. ‘Major, it’s Frikkie and Ronald,’ Kelly says, shaken. ‘They never came home!’”

The book is dedicated to André’s late father, Andreas Roelof van Ellinckhuyzen.

Anyone interested in a copy of ‘Tommie’ or ‘Tommy’ can get in touch with André directly on 083 254 5528.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.